More seals on Cape Breton shores this year, residents asked to beware

As this photograph shows, grey seals possess a good set of teeth and have been known to bite people who venture too close. (CONTRIBUTED)

SYDNEY — People who find themselves face to face with a seal are reminded to leave the marine mammal alone and to call the proper authorities.

Philippe Chiasson, a Cheticamp-based officer with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans said that while seals may appear cute and cuddly they are a wild animal and should be treated with caution.

“We want people to stay away from them because they are a wild animal and they can bite if they feel threatened by the presence of humans,” he said.

“Most of the time the seals are fine, but when they are on the shore they are a wild animal in their natural habitat”

According to Chiasson, more seals than usual may be found on Cape Breton’s extensive coastline shores this winter due to the mild weather that has thus far resulted in less drift ice. And, he said, their on-shore presence is usually greater at this time of the year because the sea mammals in these parts give birth on land from December through February.

“Also, they sometimes, for whatever reason, climb higher up and show up behind houses, on the road and highways and in schoolyards — that’s when we usually get calls and then we attend because at that point it becomes a matter of public safety,” said Chiasson.

“Then we show up and we use special equipment to capture them and to re-locate them.”

People who do come upon a seal are cautioned not to touch it as it illegal to do so under the Marine Mammals Act and because it can be dangerous. The DFO also advices people to keep their pets away from seals as the latter can weigh up to 350 kg.

Anyone encountering a seal that may appear to be stranded, lost or in distress or wants to report illegal activity is asked to contact one of DFO’s conservation and protection detachments. The only such detachment on Cape Breton Island is located in Cheticamp. The phone number is 902-224-2017. After hours and weekend calls can be made to 1-800-565-1633.

A seal pup was rescued from Highway 125 after it wandered onto the busy motorway and was struck near Leitches Creek. Following the rescue, the hooded seal was transported to an animal rehabilitation centre on the mainland.

It’s estimated there are more than 400,000 grey seals inhabiting Nova Scotia’s coastlines and islands, including a very large concentration on Sable Island.